The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1887-09-02
THEsToRY %oF"NANCY FAr.'
How Gen. Elliott Tried to Make a Social Queen
OF Her and Failed.

OF Hef AMI fnlleds
Atlantic Special.
Not long since there was a
brief notice in the papers
announcing the death of Mrs. r. B. FL
lott, vile OF the negro Congressman
who a few years ago took such an
active part in South Carolina politics.
Possibly no woman OF the present
century has experienced such q sud
den change from indulgence to opulencs
or has risen SO quickly in the social
scale. Mrs. Elliott vas owned by afam-
lily of Columbia, S. c. Her name was
Nancy, but on account of her plump
figure she bore the suggestive appella-
ton OF Nancy Fats She was an
amlable, humble creature. Happy
and indolent, with nc ambition or
pride of character, she was as con-
tented while engaged in the most
mental toll and drudgery rs when
arrayed in fantastic and gaudy at
tire, she danced as belle OF the
shnckings. During the period OF Re.
publican rule Gen. Elliott, while in
Columbia, was afternoon driving
behind his splendid pair OF bays. He
was dressed in his usual style OF black
broadcloth and lavender kid gloves.
At the corner of one OF the streets he
saw q picture that proved to be the
key to his destiny. 1t was "Nancy
Fat" She had Just drawn a bucket
OF water from the pump, and it a
balanced on her turbaned head, the
crystal drops trickling down her
brown face and neck, and she laughed
good-naturedly. Her skirts were
tucked high, and there was a generous
display Of bare feet and ankles. The
effect was instantaneous, and the Con.
gresham in broadcloth was
hopelessly infatuated with the
merry, ignorant w~ater-carrier. The
result was a speedy courtship
and marriage. The transformation
was wonderful as it was sudden.
Grom the wash.tub. and the cooking
stove she became mistress soft magnif-
cent home on one OF the fashionable
streets OF Columbia. Gen. Elliott was
a man OF brilliant intellect and IN
bounded ambition. He was one of
the leading spirits of the Republican
party, and was regarded as n OF
the most intelligent negroes who was
aver known in the South. He vas
from Boston, Mass.; he vas q finished
scholar and a successful lawyer. His
alliance with the untutored Nancy
caused general surprise. Yet she was
received by his friends with courtesy
and kindness. One day l was passing
her house in company with performer
mistress when We espled a sight that
was droll and amusing. Beside a
marble fountain surrounded by are
exotics sat Mrs. Elliott. She was ar
rayed in custom OF extreme ele-
gance. Popping from beneath her
skirts OF amber satin we plain.
ly saw her bare, brown feet.
As she saw us she quickly tucked
them under her skirts. and exclaimed
good.naturedly: Nov, old missis,
don't laugh at your niger; you know
l never did like shoes. Ii the General
saw me he would scold, but every
chance | get l just slip them off. All
the tinery can't make me forget the
happy days when l was plain Nancy
Fat and now l am Mrs. Gen. Con-
gresham Elliott" Much amused, we
passed on, and left her with her bare
feet in the damp sand OF the fountain.
A few years later Mrs. Elliott became
a prominent feature in the Republican
society OF thesstate and also figured
conspicueusly in Washington. 1t was
during President Grants administra-
ton at one OF the balls that she caus-
ed such a sensation on account of the
devoted attentions she received from
certain prominent white politicians
who wished to make conspicuous
their approval Of the social equality
law. The brilliant negro Congress.
man is dead. And only o few days
ago the woman whom he endenvored
to elevate by all that wealth and
power could do died in poverty and
obscurity.